This event is just 2 weeks away, are you going?
We've been on the fence about going this year because of the new format, the game choice for the qualifying rounds, and the start times.
What are your thoughts?
Here's a link to the info and qualifyer game bank below.
https://louisvillearcade.com/tournament/2023pinballtournament.pdf
Amanda and I will be there. Regardless of the LAX tourney, we are always more excited for the late night RecBar tourney. We aren't to thrilled with the tourney format change either.
Like Justin said, we will be there all weekend. I am not fond of the new format this year at all. I might play in the main event to try to qualify or I may not. I have not made up my mind. Regardless, we have been two times in a row and have so much fun. Recbar's late night tourney is so much fun and I love playing with the people there so its a no brainer, annual thing for us now. Now, in saying that, Whayne really needs to change the format back for next year!!
We didn't make it there for the recbar tournament last year but have heard great things about the place. I suspect we will pass and plan on doing a different trip later in the year.
I think they made a mistake with removing the two tourney groups. I thought that was great for the players and groups and everyone got their money's worth. As an organizer though, the Herb card/ Pump and Dump is way more lucrative and I get it as an organizer (especially if Neverdrains is used with that software) that this is much easier but the is the reason I "don't" want to go this year.
I am not going. While I understand the profit motive for pump and dump, I really do not like this particular card format in particular and that's the main reason I am not going this year. I don't like card formats period but at least SFGE's wasn't as strict as this one. This card format is certainly easier to manage and administer, but from a player's perspective it means long waits followed by short to medium waits, only to rinse and repeat until a decent card is built, and unless an early card is amazing, I can't enjoy strolling the show. No thanks.
The Rec Bar event that same weekend was a good time when I went right before the pandemic shut everything down. The TD seemed pretty housed near the end which was a little disturbing, but I had a good time all the same.
That said, driving to Louisville just for the Rec Bar event and going to the show plus the drive time and hotel is not enough bang for the buck for me. The show itself is on the smaller side, but I enjoyed walkimg the booths and playing the floor pins last time I went. Really nice meeting new people as well as friends I have made in past tournaments that I don't get to see often, but the card for at is a deal-breaker for me. If there were multiple other events I might have felt differently. Hope everyone who goes has a great time!